Lucy used to think she had it all—a loving family and a picture-perfect life. But when her marriage fell apart, her world shattered like glass, leaving her with nothing but broken pieces. The days felt heavy and dull, like all the color had drained from her life. Then, one unexpected moment changed everything—a moment when she was nearly hit by a car. In that fleeting second, she found herself face-to-face with someone she never thought she’d see again.
I stared at the old photo on my kitchen table, my fingers tracing the edge of the frame. It showed happier times: me, James, and Harry all smiling in the sun. I could almost hear Harry’s laugh and feel the warmth of James’s hand on my shoulder.
But now? That laughter was gone, replaced by silence and loneliness. My son, Harry, refused to talk to me, ignoring every call and message. My ex-husband, James, had twisted the story, making Harry believe I’d left them without a thought.
I wiped a tear from my cheek and sighed. “How did my life end up like this?”
“Lucy, dear, are you alright?” Miss Kinsley’s gentle yet firm voice broke through my thoughts.
Startled, I looked up at my employer, her elegant figure framed by the grand windows of her home. “Oh, yes, Miss Kinsley,” I stammered, forcing a smile. “I’m fine—just a little tired.”
She didn’t look convinced. Her kind eyes studied me, her lips pressed into a concerned line.
“Lucy,” she began softly, “I know you’ve been struggling lately. But we need to talk.”
My stomach tightened. “Miss Kinsley, please—I’ll do better. I’ll work faster. I’ll be more cheerful. I promise!”
Her hand rested gently on my shoulder. “It’s not about working harder,” she said, her voice full of empathy. “It’s about you. I can see how much you’re hurting, and it’s affecting everything around you. My family needs someone who can bring positivity into the house, someone who can shine a light through the clouds.”
My throat tightened. “Please, don’t let me go. This job—it’s all I have left.”
She gave me a sad smile. “Lucy, sometimes letting go of what’s not working is the only way to find what’s waiting for you. I hope you find your happiness again.”
As I left her house, a wave of memories swept over me. I thought of high school, back when my biggest problems were pop quizzes and picking the right dress for prom. Life had been so simple then. Now, it felt like I was walking through a storm with no umbrella.
Lost in thought, I barely heard the blaring horn.
I looked up, and my heart leapt into my throat—a car was speeding toward me!
Frozen in panic, I jumped back just in time, splashing into a puddle as the car screeched to a halt. Cold, muddy water soaked my clothes, and I landed hard on the pavement.
“What were you thinking?” yelled a furious voice. A man in a sharp suit stormed out of the car, glaring at me. “Do you have any idea how much this car costs?”
Flustered and soaked, I scrambled to my feet. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean—”
Before I could finish, another voice interrupted.
“Glen, enough.”
The car’s back door opened, and another man stepped out. He was tall, with kind eyes and a calm presence that seemed to fill the chaotic street.
He walked toward me, ignoring Glen’s protests. “Are you okay?” he asked gently.
“I—I think so,” I stammered, shivering from the cold.
“Let’s get you somewhere warm,” he said, offering his hand. His steady voice was like a lifeline.
Before I knew it, I was sitting in the back of his car, feeling awkward but grateful. We pulled up to a stunning mansion—its grandness took my breath away.
“It’s… beautiful,” I whispered, unable to hide my amazement.
He smiled. “Come inside. You’ll warm up faster.”
Inside, the house was even more incredible. Polished marble floors and sparkling chandeliers made it feel like a palace. He led me to a cozy chair by the fireplace and handed me a steaming cup of tea.
“I thought you could use this,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you,” I replied, wrapping my hands around the cup.
A little later, his personal doctor arrived, checked my scrapes, and reassured me that I was fine. As the doctor left, I stood to thank my host.
“I should get going,” I said softly. “You’ve been so kind.”
But he stopped me with a curious smile. “Lucy… don’t you recognize me?”
I blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?”
“It’s me, George,” he said, his grin widening. “From high school.”
My jaw dropped. “George? George Spencer? No way!”
He laughed. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”
We started reminiscing—about high school pranks, late-night diner runs, and dreams of the future. For the first time in forever, I felt lighter, like I wasn’t carrying the weight of the world alone.
Then George’s expression grew serious. “Lucy… what’s been going on in your life?”
I hesitated but told him everything—about the divorce, losing my son, and being let go from my job.
“It feels like I’ve lost everything,” I admitted, tears slipping down my face.
George reached out, his hand covering mine. “You haven’t lost everything, Lucy. You’ve still got a future—a future where you can rebuild.”
His words struck a chord deep within me.
As the evening wore on, George said something I never expected.
“Do you remember the night after prom? I told you I loved you.”
I nodded, the memory flooding back. “I remember.”
“Well,” he said with a shy smile, “I never stopped wondering… what if?”
I looked at him, my heart fluttering in a way it hadn’t in years.
“We can’t change the past,” he said softly. “But maybe we can start something new.”
For the first time in forever, I felt a flicker of hope.
“Maybe we can,” I whispered, smiling through my tears.
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